MATT Southgate unashamedly admits he was in tears as he walked down the 18th hole at Royal Troon after ending a traumatic 12 months on a high.

A year ago the 27-year-old Southend golfer had to watch the tournament on television after undergoing surgery having been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Having impressively bounced back with a fourth place at the Irish Open 10 months later he eclipsed that with a final-round 69 at the 145th Open Championship to secure a top-15 finish.

“Words cannot describe how that felt walking down that last hole,” said the Thorpe Hall GC golfer. “Sixty-nine is a hell of a score for me on a day which meant so much.

“I knew where all the family was and there was a big tear rolling down my face when I reached the front of the 18th green.

“I’ve wanted to do that since I was 10 years old and to get out there and do it words can’t describe.

“I always had the belief inside me I’d get over the health issues and be back in an Open Championship but to do it within the year and to have my family here...it is a big achievement for me.

“If you had asked me last year I’d have said it was possible for me to qualify but to finish up there comfortably in the top 20 no one would have had a £1 bet on that.”

Southgate made his way through the three stages of qualifying school at the back end of last season and he believes his illness has had a positive effect in some respects.

“I have got so much better psychologically as a golfer. I think it (cancer) has helped me as a person off the golf course, on the golf course not so much because I am so competitive,” he added.

“Every day is a fight for me and when I walk to that first tee it is like a boxer getting in the ring - I know I am going to get hit but I am going to hit just as hard back.

“I’ve taken a few on the chin this week and thrown a good few back and to finish under par in an Open Championship is something special.

“So for any youngsters out there who want to do it just go for it and stick with your dreams.”